Lincoln Mark VIII

"JasonStern911" (JasonStern911) 04/16/2014 at 00:42 • Filed to: None

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So, thanks to Oppo's help, I was able to talk my friend out of buying an automatic Acura TL/CL. Unfortunately, he didn't fall for the "Infiniti J30 is the same thing as a Maxima", so no rear-wheel drive car for him.

But this post is actually about me. I just got back yesterday from a long drive to Oregon, and unfortunately, I couldn't take my 996 as I had to take my dog. As a result, I had to take my Xterra. Now, I love my Xterra when it snows, or when I need to tow quads, or go off-roading, but as a long trip vehicle, it's deficiencies are very apparent. Passing semis required an extended straight away with zero traffic, and the seats aren't comfortable to begin with, let alone for a long drive.

So, with that in mind, my ~$2k toy budget for the year is either going to go towards an enduro or a beater 'luxury' car. As far as luxury cars go, a small-block Chevy powered G-Body is my first choice. But, unfortunately, they're relatively rare and overpriced here for some cash for clunkers/irrational reason, and nearly impossible to find with a manual transmission. So, that brought up Grand Marquis/Crown Victorias, which are great values if you can get past the automatic transmissions and poor fuel economy. But as I was looking at these, I came across a Lincoln Mark VIII that is oddly tempting:

http://reno.craigslist.org/cto/4397972380…

The mileage is low, the motor is a Ford modular V8, similar to one in the Mustang, but with dual overhead cams making near-Cobra trim horsepower. They're also only available with a four speed automatic. So while reliability won't be Lexus good, it shouldn't be horrible.

I'm presuming I would have to factor in an additional ~$500 and a weekend to switch the suspension over from air to a traditional strut and coil spring. But other than that, Googling the car for more information didn't seem to reveal any other red flags.

And, obviously, any purchase is dependent on passing a pre-purchase inspection from a certified mechanic (or having the price adjusted accordingly based on what the mechanic finds). The car residing in a trailer park now doesn't exactly instill confidence.

So, Oppo, who has experience with the Mark VIII? Would they be a good beater-tier third car for long trips/situations where I wouldn't want to take my 996? Am I missing any common problems?

Thank you!

offroadkarter > JasonStern911 04/16/2014 at 00:53

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Don't put poverty coils on the car unless something catastrophic happens. You can still get air ride parts for 90's and 00 fords (I have rear air ride on my 04 marauder) and its worth it to keep it. The mark 8 will lower itself 1" when it hits speeds over 45mph.

They are very cool cars, I say go for it. I know a bit about them (not an expert by any means) so fire off some questions .

PS9 > offroadkarter 04/16/2014 at 01:24

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Question 1) Why can't ford just give us this again Coyote powered as a 6 series/S-class coupe competitor instead of the MK(whatever) ?

offroadkarter > PS9 04/16/2014 at 01:50

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Because the accounting department at Ford is full of walking clitbags, thats why. Same reason why lincoln doesn't have a real V competitor let alone a flag ship model. They don't like to make investments outside the mustang or F150.

Next question.

Übel > JasonStern911 04/16/2014 at 10:20

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Don't ditch the air ride!

JasonStern911 > offroadkarter 04/16/2014 at 18:33

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If I buy it, which I won't even get a chance to look at it until this weekend, I have no intention of replacing anything unless it's absolutely necessary. The air suspension just seemed to be one of the common problems for the car, with the cheap fix being to switch to coil/struts.

So, questions:

Any non-suspension related common problems?

How bad is the handling?

280 horsepower and a 15.4 quarter mile? At under 3,800lbs, are they just poorly geared?

Dirt cheap, rear-wheel drive, and DOHC V8 powered - why does Oppo never mention them, whereas the Panther body cars get respect?